Finding the best alternative to cornstarch doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the 10 best substitutes for Cornstarch, you’ll find all your necessary replacement ingredients in one convenient place.
We provide an array of options so you can easily pick the best substitute for your individual needs so can enjoy the same delicious flavors without compromising on taste or health.
From potato starch to arrowroot powder and more, we offer tips and advice to make sure you always choose the perfect substitute!
What Is Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is a pantry staple that packs a lot of power. It’s made from the endosperm of corn kernels, and it is a great thickening agent for soups, sauces, and gravies. You can also use cornstarch to make your own homemade playdough or as an alternative to flour for dusting baking pans.
Beyond the kitchen, this versatile product can be used as a mild antacid for upset stomachs and as a low-calorie replacement for breadcrumbs in breaded meats. With its multitude of culinary and medical uses, it’s no wonder why cornstarch has been found in kitchens around the world since ancient times!
What is Cornstarch Used For?
Cornstarch isn’t just for making gravy or thickening soups. Its absorbent and binding qualities make it a great tool for all kinds of applications.
Whether you need a gentle cleaning powder in your home, an organic cleanup liquid, or a styling aid for your hair, cornstarch is your friend! It makes an excellent natural alternative to many harsh chemicals that are typically used for these purposes. Plus, it’s dirt cheap and usually can be found at most grocery stores.
So if you’re looking for an eco-friendly approach to common household problems or routine beauty maintenance, consider using cornstarch before other expensive chemical solutions.
Is Corn Flour The Same As Cornstarch?
Have you ever been in the grocery store and wondered if corn flour was the same as cornstarch? You’re not alone. While they may look similar, these two pantry items are very different.
Corn flour is ground-up kernels of corn that are used to thicken sauces and soups, while cornstarch is a starch extracted from the same, which has a smoother texture and helps with thickening pie fillings and puddings because of its more gelatinous texture.
If a recipe calls for one but all you have is the other, it will not do – substituting one for the other simply won’t give you the desired results! Knowing what each ingredient does is key when creating a certain dish, so when in doubt always check online or ask a professional before diving into that new recipe.
12 Best Substitutes for Cornstarch
Let us help you find the perfect replacement ingredients when baking or cooking your favorite dishes! With our wide range of choices and helpful tips, best Substitutes for Cornstarch will quickly become one of your go-to resources for finding the best substitutes available.
1. Wheat flour
If you’re looking for a more sustainable way to thicken recipes, wheat flour could be the answer! Rather than relying on cornstarch for thickening sauces or gravies, consider working with wheat flour instead.
By doing so, you’ll significantly reduce your dietary exposure to corn-based products and plant-based toxins that can be hidden in conventional cornstarch.
Although it might take a few attempts to get used to working with wheat flour compared to cornstarch, the result is worth it – not only will your dishes have a thicker texture, but you’ll also benefit from increased fiber and other nutrients! It is recommended to use twice the amount of white flour than cornstarch to serve the purpose of thickening.
If you require one tablespoon of cornstarch you should use 2 tablespoons of wheat flour.
2. Arrowroot
Arrowroot is an amazing starch that can help out any cook and baker alike. It can be used as a substitute for Cornstarch for those who need to avoid corn in their diets.
Arrowroot is gluten-free, vegan, and paleo friendly, making it much easier to use in all kinds of recipes! Plus, it’s a bit more cost-effective and it works well as a thickener for sauces and gravies, only needing to simmer for five minutes until the mixture is smooth, just like with cornstarch.
And not only that, but due to its high fiber content arrowsroot can help improve digestion and gut health while being linked to many other health benefits.
It is suggested to make use of twice the amount of arrowroot as cornstarch in order to achieve the same result. Looks like arrowroot truly deserves its place in the kitchen pantry.
3. Rice flour
Whoever thought that baking could become so much easier? With rice flour, your body and the environment both benefit! Why? Rice flour can be used as a substitute for cornstarch in almost any recipe.
Rice flour has the desired thickening power similar to that of cornstarch without the empty calories, allowing you to maintain a better balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
It’s gluten-free, low in fat, and contains more dietary fiber than regular wheat! And don’t worry that it doesn’t contain as much starch as cornstarch – it’s just as effective in thickening sauces, stews, fillings, and batters.
Plus its light flavor won’t overpower your dish’s flavor profile like other alternatives like arrowroot or tapioca flours can. So next time you’re cooking something up for dinner, consider swapping out that cornstarch for some rice flour instead!
4. Potato starch
Potatoes are an incredibly versatile and healthy addition to many meals, but did you know they can also be used as a great substitute for cornstarch? Using potato starch instead of cornstarch can add a unique flavor to your dishes while avoiding the potential problems that cornstarch can lead to.
Potato starch is not only gluten-free, but it also provides more dietary fiber which can benefit our digestion. What’s more, potato starch is one of the easiest substitutes to use in recipes and because it has a neutral flavor, it won’t overpower ingredients like cornstarch might.
Being a natural ingredient, potato starch boasts of minimal environmental impact and provides amazing health benefits as well, since potatoes contain vitamins A, B complex, and C, as well as minerals like potassium and iron.
All things considered, it’s easy to understand why so many home chefs have made the switch from cornstarch to potato starch! You should substitute potato starch for cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio.
5. Ground flaxseeds
Ground flaxseeds are becoming increasingly popular as a substitute for cornstarch in cooking and baking recipes. Not only is it an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but it can also be used as an egg replacer, thickener and emulsifier in many dishes.
Flaxseed’s nutty flavor makes it especially delicious when mixed into muffins or carb-heavy dishes like lasagna. Ground flaxseed meal naturally thickens doughs and batters similar to the way cornstarch does without sacrificing taste.
Adding ground flaxseeds to recipes not only adds a unique nutty flavor but increases their nutritional value at the same time.
6. Tapioca
It’s time to rethink the pantry staples! Tapioca, a starch derived from cassava root, can be used as an alternative to cornstarch when baking or thickening sauces and soups.
While there are subtle differences in texture and flavor (tapioca carries a slight sweetness) it is just as effective at creating a smooth, glossy consistency. Plus this versatile flour has long shelf life and can easily be tucked away in your cupboard until the next cooking adventure occurs.
Tapioca not only takes all the guesswork out of baking and other recipes, but it also has health benefits that make it worth considering. Not only is tapioca full of vitamins and minerals, but it’s also high in fiber, and low in sugar.
All this makes tapioca an ideal substitute for cornstarch–it might even be better than cornstarch! So the next time you reach for the cornstarch, consider giving tapioca a chance – your dishes will thank you!
7. Glucomannan
Who knew that one of the secrets to replacing cornstarch laid in a natural dietary fiber found in the root of the konjac plant?
It creates an equivalent thickening effect in terms of texture and mouthfeel to cornstarch-based dishes and eight times more effective than cornstarch when taken as a food supplement and even used for things like treating obesity, can also be used for baking.
With minimal calories, no carbs to spike your blood sugar levels and loads of dietary fiber that helps keep you regular, adding glucomannan to your sauces and gravies can be a very nutritious choice. It doesn’t hurt that it’s tasteless either!
The perfect substitute for cornstarch, glucomannan is also easy to use; just add 1/2 teaspoon per 1 cup liquid and stir until it dissolves.
Many people are swapping out their old box of cornstarch for an all-natural and healthy alternative by stocking up on Glucomannan. You should definitely give it a try!
8. Xanthan gum
Xanthan gum is quickly becoming the go-to ingredient for those looking to substitute cornstarch. It’s a simple and effective way of making food more gluten-free without losing any of its flavor or texture.
Unlike cornstarch, it helps maintain moisture and longevity in products like dressings, sauces, and ice cream – not to mention it’s a much healthier option! Because it’s easily available online and in most health food stores, it’s easy to incorporate into your favorite recipes for that extra hint of essential nutrition.
So if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to your traditional ingredients, give xanthan gum a try – you won’t regret it!
9. Sorghum flour
Sorghum flour is a great swap for cornstarch in recipes because it provides an almost identical texture to the original ingredient.
It’s gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. For instance, one cup of sorghum flour has eight times the amount of iron and three times the amount of protein than one cup of cornstarch!
It’s easy to use as well; although it will change the color slightly, you can generally substitute sorghum flour for cornstarch cup-for-cup without altering any other ingredients in your recipe.
Rich in antioxidants, minerals, fatty acids, and dietary fiber, it helps stabalize blood sugar, increase energy levels, and boost digestion. Give it a try and see how delicious your favorite dishes turn out with sorghum flour as a healthy alternative!
10. Guar gum
Guar gum is good choice when you want a thickening agent with natural origin; it is derived from the guar bean. This powdery substance is perfect for sauces and gravies, substituting cornstarch to give them a creamy and more flavorful taste.
The best thing about Guar gum is that it can be used in any recipe with little preparation, just add it into the mix and stir it in until it reaches the right consistency.
Another great benefit is that it binds well with both cold and hot liquids, making it easier to work with than cornstarch.
Whether you’re looking for a better helping of gravy on your mashed potatoes or a thicker sauce for your chicken alfredo, guar gum can get the job done quickly and efficiently compared to regular cornstarch.
Conclusion
With Best Substitutes for Cornstarch, you can make sure you are always making the best dietary choices while still enjoying the same delicious flavors of your favorite dishes.
Whether you are looking for a healthier substitute for cornstarch or just want to explore new options, we have plenty of substitutes for you to choose from.
Our goal is to be your go-to source for finding perfect substitution ingredients that fit your individual needs. From potato starch to arrowroot powder and beyond, we have something for everyone.
Let us help guide you on your journey of discovering better alternatives to traditional cornstarch so that you can enjoy all the flavors without sacrificing health or taste!
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